President of Syria facts for kids

Quick facts for kids President of Syria
Seal of the President of Syria
Incumbent Vacant since 8 December 2024
Executive branch of the Syrian Government
Style	Mr President (informal) His Excellency (diplomatic)
Member of	Council of Ministers High Judicial Council
Residence	Presidential Palace
Seat	Damascus, Syria
Appointer	Popular vote
Inaugural holder	Subhi Barakat (French Mandate) Shukri al-Quwatli (current constitution)
Formation	17 April 1946; 79 years ago (1946-04-17)
Deputy	Vice President

The President of Syria (Arabic: رئيس سوريا) is the head of state of Syria. This means they are the main leader and symbol of the country. The president has many important powers, which they can share with their vice presidents. They choose and remove the prime minister and other members of the Council of Ministers (which is like the cabinet). They also appoint military officers.

This position has been empty since December 8, 2024. This happened when Bashar al-Assad was removed from power after the 2024 Syrian opposition offensives were successful. Right now, a temporary government is in charge. It is led by Mohammed al-Bashir as prime minister. Ahmed al-Sharaa has been acting as the main leader of Syria since this temporary government started.

How Long Does a President Serve?

According to Syria's 2012 constitution, the president serves for seven years. They can only be chosen for one more term after that. This rule started with the elections after 2014.

Who Can Become President?

Over the years, the rules for who can become president in Syria have changed. In 1973, a new constitution was put in place. This led to some protests because, unlike earlier rules, it didn't say the president had to be Muslim. After these protests, the constitution was changed to make sure the president of Syria must be a Muslim.

Syria's 2012 constitution has specific rules for presidential candidates. To be a candidate, a person must:

• Be at least 40 years old.
• Be Syrian by birth, and both of their parents must also be Syrian by birth.
• Have full civil and political rights. This means they can take part in public life and haven't been found guilty of a serious crime.
• Not be married to someone who is not Syrian.
• Have lived in Syria for 10 years in a row before they are nominated.

Other important rules in the 2012 constitution include:

• The president must be a Muslim. Also, Islamic law helps shape the country's laws. The government respects all religions and allows people to practice their faith freely, as long as it doesn't cause problems for public order. Rules for different religious groups about things like marriage are also respected.
• A candidate needs support from at least 35 members of the People's Assembly (which is like Syria's parliament).
• The president cannot have another nationality.

President's Powers and Removal

The President of Syria has many important jobs and responsibilities.

President's Main Powers

The President of Syria is in charge of:

• Being the Commander in Chief of the army and armed forces. This means they lead the military.
• Representing Syria in dealings with other countries around the world.
• Creating and carrying out the country's main policies.
• Choosing and removing the Prime Minister and other government ministers.
• Making sure the country's overall plans are put into action.
• Saying "no" (vetoing) or "yes" to new laws.
• Declaring a state of emergency, which is a special situation when the government can take extra powers.
• Making agreements (treaties) with other countries.
• Granting amnesty, which means officially forgiving people for certain crimes.
• Giving out special honors and medals.
• Ending the work of the People's Assembly.
• Passing laws when the People's Assembly is not meeting or in urgent situations.
• Asking the public to vote on important issues in a referendum.
• Writing new laws.

How a President Can Be Removed

The president of Syria can leave their position in a few ways:

• If they choose to resign and tell the People's Assembly.
• When their seven-year term ends, if they are not chosen again. Or, after their second seven-year term if they were re-elected.
• If they become permanently unable to do their job, or if they pass away.
• If they are found guilty of high treason by the Constitutional Court. This can happen if one-third of the People's Assembly suggests it and two-thirds approve.

Latest Presidential Election

The most recent presidential election in Syria was in 2021.

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Siria para niños

• List of heads of state of Syria